Planning for the Illawarra Shoalhaven acknowledges more than 20,000 years of continuous Aboriginal connection to the land in the region.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven is a dynamic and vibrant region that makes a crucial economic contribution to NSW.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan sets the strategic framework for the region, aiming to protect and enhance the region’s assets and plan for a sustainable future.
Achieving the vision and objectives of the Plan requires leadership and commitment; ongoing collaboration with stakeholders; and a clear delivery framework.
Achieving the vision and objectives of the Plan requires leadership and commitment; ongoing collaboration with stakeholders; and a clear delivery framework.
Four themes guide the 30 objectives in the Regional Plan. The 30 objectives are supported by a mix of actions, strategies and collaboration activities.
In 2017 the Department finalised a suite of regional plans, so the whole of NSW is covered by strategic land-use plans.
The regional plans set a 20-year framework, vision and direction for strategic planning and land use to ensure regions have the housing, jobs, infrastructure, a healthy environment, access to green spaces and connected communities to continue to be vibrant places for people to live, work and visit.
We are currently undertaking the first 5-year review of all regional plans to reset priorities and to extend the plans’ reach from 2036 to 2041.
We are consulting widely with council and state agency stakeholders, peak bodies, business and local communities to develop the plans.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 was the first of the updated plans to be finalised in June 2021.
The remaining 8 updated regional plans will be finalised in the coming months.